Everyone dreams of going on exotic vacations to dive in the crystalline blue waters of tropical island paradises. But what if you could live there, too, and dive on an almost daily basis? It might sound too good to be true, but for James Boulton, it’s reality. As a PADI Divemaster at Bali Scuba, a PADI 5 Star Dive Instructor Development Centre in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia, he gets to do what many only dream about.

Boulton worked for years in the design and advertising business; when his projects began to focus more and more on luxury travel, he found himself daydreaming about dive trips. Eventually, all that musing led to action. “I decided it was time to stop looking at incredible dive destinations and go work at one,” he says.

After his first dive in South Africa in 2008, Boulton was hooked and traveled to Thailand, Egypt and Indonesia for more dive trips. With this new passion for diving, James completed his PADI Divemaster training and started a truly envy-inducing career in Bali, one of the most beautiful places on earth. “I was thrilled by the prospect of being able to find a job doing something I love. A lot of people aren’t that lucky.”

Days start early for Boulton, who works as a Divemaster intern at Bali Scuba. “I have a good idea of what to expect since the days’ schedule is always put up the afternoon before. If it’s a ‘non-course’ day, I help the other Divemasters with equipment and am close at hand to answer questions guests may have and the exciting day ahead.”

After the more practical steps, Boulton relishes what he says is the best part of his day. “The vehicles are loaded and there’s a buzz in the air as each departs for its destination, either Tulamben, Padang Bai or Sanur Beach for the boat trip to Nusa Penida. When we sink beneath the waves, the real fun begins.”

If anything, Boulton’s story shows that a career as a Divemaster in paradise isn’t strictly daydream territory. With the right training and plenty of passion, it’s an option for enthusiastic divers everywhere.